69436 Create eardrum opening
Also known as: operative tube insertion, tympanostomy under anesthesia, tympanostomy tube insertion, ear tubes, PE tubes, myringotomy
Creation of opening in tympanum for drainage with ventilation tube or grommet insertion under operative conditions.
In Plain Language
operative eardrum tube placement; surgical ventilation tube insertion
Clinical Context
Used for tympanoplasty with tube insertion under operative conditions. Common indications include otitis media with effusion requiring operative intervention.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 1.96 |
| Total RVU | 1.96 |
Est. Medicare Payment
National estimate based on 2026 CMS PFS Conversion Factor ($33.40). Actual payment varies by locality (GPCI adjustment).
Billing & Documentation
As a surgical CPT code, proper documentation must include the operative report detailing the procedure performed, patient positioning, approach, findings, and any complications. This code has a 10-day global period — follow-up visits within 10 days of the procedure are included in the reimbursement. Ensure the diagnosis code (ICD-10) supports medical necessity for the procedure.
How This Code Compares
With a work RVU of 1.96, this code ranks in the 14th percentile among Surgery codes — 4.1x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 69436?
CPT 69436 (Create eardrum opening) is a Surgery code. Creation of opening in tympanum for drainage with ventilation tube or grommet insertion under operative conditions.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 69436?
The work RVU for CPT 69436 is 1.96. This code is primarily used by Otolaryngology. It has a 10-day global period.
When is CPT 69436 used?
Used for tympanoplasty with tube insertion under operative conditions. Common indications include otitis media with effusion requiring operative intervention.
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CPT® is a registered trademark of the American Medical Association. Data sourced from CMS Physician Fee Schedule RVU26A. Descriptions, synonyms, and clinical context are original content by RVU Edge.